As we approach the 1-year anniversary of the massacre in Parkland, Florida, we are recognizing both our accomplishments and the tremendous work still ahead. Here at home, we helped pass important laws last session, and several bills have been introduced this year that could have a significant impact on all of us. In Vermont, where the rate of gun ownership is high and domestic violence and suicide have been above the national average for years, the waiting period bills (H.159 and S.22) and the child access prevention bill (also S.22) are especially urgent. We hope you'll help us honor the victims and survivors of Parkland--and victims and survivors of gun violence everywhere--with action.

Happy 2019, one and all. We are excited for the opportunity to build on the successes of last year's session and we look forward to working with legislators and our supporters to strengthen Vermont's gun laws. Together, we can make Vermont a leader in gun safety and reduce our rates of gun-driven suicide and domestic violence.

In remembrance of the fifth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, as well as the 500,000 victims and survivors of gun violence in the United States since December 2012, GunSense Vermont is joining with communities and organizations nationwide to #EndGunViolence.

Stand with us and hundreds of other Vermonters as we recall victims, honor survivors, and commit to ending gun violence.

Please email info@gunsensevt.org if you are aware of a vigil that is not listed here. Thank you!

The United States is experiencing an unprecedented public health crisis in the form of gun violence. To pretend that Vermont plays no role in this crisis or that we remain somehow unaffected is naïve to the point of absurdity. We here in Vermont must do our part by passing universal background check legislation in our state now to keep guns out of the wrong hands. GunSense Vermont has been, and remains, at the forefront of this fight.